Mac 286 Duo Fibre Blending Brush

I got this brush a while ago from Mac--I believe it was the Naturally collection. I was really excited to get it because I didn't really have a good, large eyeshadow blending brush in my brush collection. I had ones that were smaller (and better for crease placement) but none that were all over blending brushes. The 286 is exactly what I needed!

The Mac 286 is a duo-fibre blending brush--a mix of goat and synthetic hairs. Mac says it gives a sheerer more controlled application of eyeshadow. A Mac sales associate told me it is very similar to the Mac 224, which is a very popular blush for blending the edges of eyeshadow. I am sooo happy to say that this  brush has been the perfect blending brush for me! Because of the domed shape, I can use it to apply and blend crease shades as well as using it for overall blending of harsh edges. Because of the duo-fibre I do notice that it picks up a little less product than my other brushes, however I find that it's actually an advantage--it applies crease colors very delicately so there is a nice transition between the crease and brow bone.


Here's some other brushes I compared it to...
L-R Mac 226, Mac 286, Rock & Republic Blending Brush

The Mac 226 is a bit smaller--I use this more for precise crease and outer-v eyeshadow placement. Actually prefer (if both brushes are clean) to apply color into the crease using the 226 and then blend that color using the 286. It's the perfect combination of brushes! On the other hand the Rock & Republic blending brush is much fluffier and less tapered. I MUCH prefer the Mac 286 as I feel like i have more control over where I'm blending because there is more of a tip. I've also used this brush to blend concealer--works like a charm!

I'm extremely happy with my Mac 286 and find my eyeshadow looks much more blended and finished now that I have it. I also believe that Mac made it a permanent addition to the Mac brush collection, so you can definitely find it at your counter/store!

What's your favorite brush to blend eyeshadow with?!

Comments

  1. Sarah S.April 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    Well, I do like that duo-fiber brushes disturb makeup less while blending (or pick up less product in application) because today's makeup is more highly-pigmented due to consumer demand. We kind of need this type of brush now to make makeup a little more fool-proof!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MotherUndercoverApril 6, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    This looks like it might be one to try!
    http://lottie-loves-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  3. StaceyApril 8, 2012 at 10:34 AM

    I use MAC 226 & 217 the most for blending, but you've got me very interested in 286 now! I'll have to check it out! :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bronze Eyeshadow Swatches: Mac Tempting, Urban Decay Smog, Nars Kalahari, & Inglot

Image
If I had to choose a favorite eyeshadow color to use, my favorite would most definitely be a shimmery bronzey brown. Call me boring when there are so many vibrant colors to choose from, but I can't help it! I absolutely love a shimmery chocolate smokey eye more than anything else. I think brown is flattering on all eye colors and it can be made subtle enough for daytime or dramatic for evening. I just hit pan on two bronze colors in my eyeshadow collection so I thought I'd do some comparison swatches for you before I finish them up! Inglot 409 on the left, Nars Kalahari on the top, Urban Decay Smog in the middle and Mac Tempting (with the huge bit of pan showing!) on the right! Comparison swatches! L-R Inglot 409, Urban Decay Smog, Mac Tempting, Nars Kalahari From Left to right: Inglot 409 pearl: This bronze has a bit more red warmth to it, especially compared to Urban Decay Smog and is a bit darker--though I do think it's similar on the lid. Both 409 and...
Read more

Updated Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches!

Image
Hey all! I've gotten a lot of requests asking for an updated post of my Inglot eyeshadows. I first posted about them last year after discovering how much I love them and how affordable they were for such a quality eyeshadow. After all this time, they are still one of my favorite eyeshadow formulas and I probably use at least one or two of them in each look I do. Since my first post, I have accumulated two more palettes so there are a bunch of new colors that I swatched (along with repeats from last year's post). If you'd like to read more about Inglot and the various eyeshadow formulas, please take a look at my original post HERE ! Let's jump into it!  I posted my swatches from left to right, top row first then the bottom! For quick reference, the finishes are as follows: P = Pearl, M = Matte, Double Sparkle = DS, Advanced Makeup Component = AMC, & lastly, AMC Shine  Again take a look at my first post  here  for more in-depth descriptions. ...
Read more

Giveaway: 100 Followers!!-CLOSED-

Image
Hello!! Giveaway time!! I hit 100 followers a little over a week ago so as a thank you to all my supporters, both new and old, I've decided to hold my first giveaway! I've really enjoyed running this blog and I appreciate all of you SOO much for reading it!! I had a lot of fun choosing out the items, so I really hope you like them! They are either products I love to use, would like to try, or by brands that I really like! Some are full sized, some are sample sized, but I hope that the winner will enjoy them! I will probably throw in some other stuff that aren't in the picture as well! How to Enter: -You must be a follower of my blog (via google friend connect) -Leave a comment below on this post with your name and email (please comment only once!). -If you'd like a second entry, you can post on your blog about this giveaway! Just be sure to link your blog post in the comments below so I know about it! -You must be 18 years or older to enter (or have your pare...
Read more